Tank container transport is the perfect way to ship bulk gasses, liquids, and powders. This type is ideal for both hazardous and non-hazardous materials. However, moving a container is not an easy task. You need to have proper information about it.
The costs can vary depending on the size and the distance it needs to travel. In this article, we will discuss all methods.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about containers.
Tank Container Transport –An Overview
It is used for hauling liquids and gasses in bulk. These are typically made of steel or aluminum. They are specially designed to withstand the pressure and temperature of the contents they are holding.
This tank is built to meet specific standards for different types. That’s why they are also known as ISO tanks.
It is a safe way to haul goods as these are made of stainless steel and do not rust. It is also coated with insulation, usually aluminum. It even protects the container from bad weather and also from corrosion.
These meet the requirements set by the ISO or International Organization for Standardization. These specifications are about features and dimensions that help ensure the safety of goods when delivering them. They also help maintain services and products’ consistency, quality, and efficiency.
ISO Certified Container: What Are They?
ISO is a certification that proves that a product or service is of high quality.
It shows that the service, manufacturing process, or management system meets specific quality assurance standards.
Ensure you get a tank that meets the durability, size, and strength standards. Additionally, it will ensure that it can withstand every unexpected situation. Anyone that is put into service must go through a rigorous inspection. This certification also guarantees that you can haul liquids and chemicals safely.
Benefits
Tank containers have many benefits. They make it easy to haul bulk liquids and keep cargo safe and secure. Let’s take a look at some of these benefits.
Reliability
They are the most reliable way to deliver. This is because all follow standards. There are many tests and inspections that it must go through before it is sold. It means that the quality and standards are never compromised.
If you want to buy a used container, check for the stamp. It is essential to inspect the stability of the container and valve condition.
Environment-Friendly
They are unlikely to leak during storage because of their construction, even though their construction makes them environmentally friendly and safe to move hazardous chemicals.
Safety
They are designed for specific types of goods. It makes sure that the container is safe for hauling goods.
Some rules say a chemical-grade container can’t transport food, but you can use a food-grade to deliver chemicals.
Before loading or unloading cargo, an ISO goes through a thorough inspection and cleaning process. After it passes inspection, the quality inspector gives it a “go-ahead” so that it can be refilled.
Security
They provide a safe place to store your product. You can haul them by rail, road, or sea. It has a code that helps to track them. Your product will stay safe because these can also handle challenging road conditions and harsh weather.
Efficiency
They are easy to handle and don’t require much work to load or unload cargo. That’s because they have pre-installed steam coils and valves. They’re also huge so that they can carry a lot of goods.
For example, A 20ft ISO can hold more liquid than a 20ft one with drums.
Durability
They are constructed of stainless steel, making them highly resistant to corrosion and impact damage. It is also designed to withstand high-stress conditions, meaning that an ISO can be used multiple times and will last for approximately 25 to 30 years. If the container is damaged and can’t be used anymore, it can be recycled.
How Are Costs Calculated?
Companies use three things to figure out how much it costs to move. These are:
The Volume of the Goods
There is no simple answer to this question because it depends on the type you are using. The size of your goods is an essential factor in some conditions, while weight can also be more critical if you are moving through land or sea.
Type You Are Using
How you haul your belongings determines the price and how long it takes for them to arrive. If you need your belongings quickly, sea freight is a good option. However, it is more expensive than delivering it by rail. Land freight usually takes longer, but it is much cheaper.
Distance
Distance matters a lot while calculating the costs.
Remember, the longer the haul, the more it will cost you. Consider the length of your route when estimating your costs.
If you are moving to a different country, it will cost more than if you were moving within your own country. The way that your company delivers also affects the price.
It is always best to get quotes from multiple companies before deciding. It will allow you to compare rates and find the best deal for your particular needs.
8 Different Types
There are many different types available. Some of them are mentioned below:
T1 ISO Tank
If you are a juice and wine manufacturer looking for an exclusive ISO, this one is the best.
T1 meet the ISO 668 design code. They are available in 20ft and 40ft in size.
T11 ISO
The T11 can haul different goods like gas, liquid, and powder. It meets the (ISO) criteria, making it a good option for dispatching goods.
T14 ISO
T14 is stainless steel or carbon steel and rubber, PE lining, or FRP. This is usually used to haul and store dangerous chemicals like caustic soda, ferric chloride, hydrochloric acid, and sulfuric acid through different means like rail, road, or marine.
T75 ISO
T75 is a double-walled vacuum container that stores cryogenic liquids like liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and liquefied natural gas.
Swap Body Container
Swap Body utilizes a 20′ or 23′ container body. They come in different sizes, around 30-35 m³. They are mainly designed for train, road, and ferry traffic and offer a higher volume than 20′ containers.
Food-Grade
Food Grade term refers to the materials used to make the equipment needed to process or prepare foods and drinks. Many storage tanks that usually meet the requirements set by all regulatory bodies for being non-toxic and safe for consumption come into this category.
Silo
We can always use silo tanks to store various liquids, including wax, wine, chemicals, oils, paint, beer, pharmaceuticals, and dairy products. These are used by different industries like Oil & Gas, Commercial Cooking, Cleaning & Janitorial, and Breweries & Wineries.
Swap Container
This is a tank that can be hauled by ship, truck, or train. A swap can hold between 30,000 and 35,000 liters.
Swap ones are best for delivering fuels, foodstuff, or liquid chemicals.
How to Haul?
There are a few different ways to deliver, depending on the size and type you have. The most common way to move is by truck, but rail and sea options are also available.
Let’s take a look at them in detail:
Delivery by Truck:
The most common way is by truck. It is the most flexible option, as you can do it with various trucks depending on the size. Several companies specialize in hauling, so finding a reliable company should not be complex.
By Rail:
Another option is by rail. This option is usually only used for larger tanks, as it can be more expensive and complicated than trucking. However, if you have a large one that needs to be delivered over long distances, the rail may be the best option.
By Sea:
The last option is by sea. It is the most expensive and complicated option, but it can be the best choice for large ones that need to be moved over long distances.
Containers can be loaded onto ships and then hauled to their destination. This option is typically used for those that are difficult to deliver by truck or rail.
The Possible Price
The cost can vary widely, depending on several factors.
The size is one of the most critical factors, as larger ones tend to cost more. The distance is also a significant factor, as longer journeys will typically cost more than shorter ones.
Other factors affecting the price include the company and the time of year. Prices also tend to be higher during peak periods. Understanding these trends makes it possible to understand better how much it will cost to move a particular container.
ISO Containers vs. Flexitanks Which is Better?
Both tanks have their pros and cons. Let’s discuss this in detail to get an idea of which is better for you.
ISO Containers
They are a common way to haul. They are reliable and have been used for a long time. However, they might not be the best solution for every need. You need to think about the benefits and drawbacks of using them before deciding if they are the right option for you. These are mentioned below:
- ISO helps avoid the problems and risks while transferring liquids from one container to another. They are designed for this purpose and can be loaded from trains to trucks to ships. However, it helps save money because you only need to use one container throughout the process.
- You can store it easily, even if you need to wait for a while or if there is a delay. If there are any problems, you can store it without any problem.
- These are strong and will not be damaged. It is imperative if you are moving any product.
They have some benefits, but there are also some areas where they don’t work. One problem is that they need to be cleaned at an approved facility, increasing costs. Another issue is that getting it can take a long time when there is high demand.
They are environmentally friendly when used, but they require a lot of energy to be made. That means that they might not be perfect for the environment. They are also costly.
Flexitanks
Flexible are now being used more and more in the industry to haul non-hazardous products. These can be used to ship more than 60 different types of products. But you should always look at the pros and cons of using it before deciding if it is the right option for your product.
- It is suitable for water, wine, juice, and other products.
- The materials used to make this product can be recycled and reused, which reduces environmental impact.
- They are used to turn regular containers into tanks for hauling. There is always a way to move goods, no matter the season or market conditions.
- They can be stored for layovers like ISO. And even flexitanks are suitable for all methods.
- A standard 20 ft. one can hold up to 24,000 liters (6,340 gallons) of liquid. It makes its a good option for moving large quantities of liquid products.
The main disadvantage is that it can only be used to move non-hazardous materials. If you’re looking to ship hazardous materials, you’ll need to use a different type.
Flexitanks are also not as durable as other types, so they may not be ideal for products that need to be stored for long periods.
So it depends on you. If you want it that can deliver all types of cargo, we suggest buying an ISO. But if you are looking for cheaper and can still do the job, we will recommend a flexitank. They are expensive, but they are worth the money if you want something that is durable and can withstand any cargo.
Conclusion
Dispatching tanks can be a complex process, but it can be done quickly and easily with the proper knowledge. It is a great way to move large quantities of products promptly and efficiently.
They are available in various sizes and can be used to dispatch many types of liquids, including oil, gasoline, chemicals, and water.
The use of containers has increased significantly in recent years. It is an environmentally friendly option because it eliminates the need for multiple trips by trucks or trains.
With so many different types available, there’s sure to be one that suits your needs. And thanks to its many benefits, you can feel confident that your goods will arrive safely and on time.
We hope that this article has helped you understand all about moving!